Agreeing or Needing a Judge

The amount of money paid in court-ordered spousal or partner support has to be approved by a judge. However, whether or not the former spouses or partners have to actually appear in court depends on their situation.

If the former spouses or partners CAN AGREE on the amount of support to be paid:

If the former spouses or partners can agree on the amount of support to be paid, they can write out their agreement (called a “stipulation” ) and ask the judge to sign it. If the judge decides that their agreement is reasonable, the two people will not have to actually go to court. To learn how to do this, click here.

If the former spouses or partners CAN NOT AGREE on the amount of support to be paid:

If the former spouses or partners cannot agree on the amount of support to be paid, they will have to go to court and ask a judge to make this decision for them. Often, this will be part of a hearing related to another part of their family law case.